U.S. patent application number 10/092222 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-27 for multi-media communication management system supporting selectable appliance modules.
This patent application is currently assigned to Teleware, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lewis, Calvin E., Meyerson, Robert F..
Application Number | 20030059020 10/092222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46280380 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030059020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meyerson, Robert F. ; et
al. |
March 27, 2003 |
Multi-media communication management system supporting selectable
appliance modules
Abstract
The multi-media communication management system comprises a
controller that interfaces with a plurality of communication space
stations and with one or more communication medium service
providers. The communication space stations include docking bays
for coupling to a selected appliance module. The controller
includes a local content server for providing information content
that is compatible with the subscriber interface of a modular
appliance. The communication space station provides for translation
of information content between the information content server and
the appliance module.
Inventors: |
Meyerson, Robert F.;
(Naples, FL) ; Lewis, Calvin E.; (Copley,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTON BOGGS
PO BOX 270930
LOUISVILLE
CO
80027
US
|
Assignee: |
Teleware, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
46280380 |
Appl. No.: |
10/092222 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10092222 |
Mar 6, 2002 |
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09961532 |
Sep 24, 2001 |
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10092222 |
Mar 6, 2002 |
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10000543 |
Oct 23, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
379/219 ;
348/E7.081 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/2535 20130101;
H04N 7/147 20130101; H04L 65/4038 20130101; H04L 51/56 20220501;
H04W 88/02 20130101; H04M 1/2478 20130101; H04M 1/02 20130101; H04W
24/00 20130101; H04M 3/567 20130101; H04M 1/2473 20130101; H04M
1/72409 20210101; H04W 48/16 20130101; H04W 76/10 20180201; H04L
51/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/219 |
International
Class: |
H04M 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A multi-media communication device for serving a selected one of
a plurality of data appliance modules, the multi-media
communication device comprising: a network communication circuit
coupled to a network medium for exchanging frames of data over the
network medium; a docking bay for coupling to a selected data
appliance module; a data appliance module communication circuit
coupled to the docking bay for exchanging data with the selected
data appliance module; a data appliance module support circuit
comprising: means for reading a network address of a service
provider stored in at least one of the multi-media communication
device and the selected data appliance module; means for directing
the network communication circuit to establish a communication
session with the service provider; and means for translating a
frame of data originated by the service provider to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module by the
data appliance module communication circuit.
2. The multi-media communication device of claim 1, wherein the
means for translating a frame of data originated by the service
provider to a signal compatible with transmission to the data
appliance module by the data appliance module communication circuit
comprises: means for extracting a value of a data element from the
frame of data; means for associating the value with a data element;
and means for generating a signal that identifies the data element
and the value.
3. The multi-media communication device of claim 1 wherein the
means for translating a frame of data originated by the service
provider to a signal compatible with transmission to the appliance
module by the data appliance module communication circuit
comprises: means for extracting a segment of compressed real time
media data from the frame of data; and means for generating a
signal that includes the segment chronologically sequenced amongst
other segments of compressed real time media data.
4. The multi-media communication device of claim 1, wherein the
data appliance module support circuit further comprises: means for
translating a signal received from the data appliance module
communication circuit representing subscriber control of the data
appliance module to a frame of data compatible with a protocol
recognized by the service provider.
5. The multi-media communication device of claim 4, wherein the
means for translating a frame of data originated by the service
provider to a signal compatible with transmission to the data
appliance module by the data appliance module communication circuit
comprises: means for extracting a value of a data element from the
frame of data; means for associating the value with a data element;
means for generating a signal that identifies the data element and
the value; and means for translating a signal received from the
data appliance module communication circuit representing subscriber
control of the data appliance module to a frame of data compatible
with a protocol recognized by the service provider comprising:
means for extracting a value of a data element from the signal;
means for extracting identification of the data element from the
signal; means for generating a frame that includes the value and
the identity of the data element.
6. The multi-media communication device of claim 4, wherein the
means for translating a frame of data originated by the service
provider to a signal compatible with transmission to the data
appliance module by the data appliance module communication circuit
comprises: means for extracting a segment of compressed real time
media data from the frame of data; means for generating a signal
that includes the segment chronologically sequenced amongst other
segments of compresses real time media data; and wherein the means
for translating a signal received from the data appliance module
communication circuit representing subscriber control of the data
appliance module to a frame of data compatible with a protocol
recognized by the service provider comprises: means for extracting
a value of a data element from the signal; means for extracting
identification of the data element from the signal; means for
generating a frame that includes the value and the identity of the
data element.
7. The multi-media communication device of claim 4 further
comprising: a subscriber data interface comprising: a display
screen, subscriber input means; and a subscriber interface client
circuit comprising: means for receiving a signal from the
subscriber input means that identifies a remote data source, means
for directing the network communication circuit to establishing a
communication session with the remote data source, and means for
translating data originated by the remote data source to signals
compatible for display of the data on the display screen.
8. The multi-media communication device of claim 7 wherein the
means for translating a frame of data originated by the service
provider to a signal compatible with transmission to the data
appliance module by the data appliance modulee communication
circuit comprises: means for extracting a value of a data element
from the frame of data; means for associating the value with a data
element; means for generating a signal that identifies the data
element and the value; and wherein the means for translating a
signal received from the data appliance module communication
circuit representing subscriber control of the data appliance
module to a frame of data compatible with a protocol recognized by
the service provider comprises: means for extracting a value of a
data element from the signal; means for extracting identification
of the data element from the signal; and means for generating a
frame that includes the value and the identity of the data
element.
9. The multi-media communication device of claim 7 wherein the
means for translating a frame of data originated by the service
provider to a signal compatible with transmission to the data
appliance module by the data appliance module communication circuit
comprises: means for extracting a segment of compressed real time
media data from the frame of data; means for generating a signal
that includes the segment chronologically sequenced amongst other
segments of compresses real time media data; and wherein the means
for translating a signal received from the data appliance module
communication circuit representing subscriber control of the data
appliance module to a frame of data compatible with a protocol
recognized by the service provider comprises: means for extracting
a value of a data element from the signal; means for extracting
identification of the data element from the signal; and means for
generating a frame that includes the value and the identity of the
data element.
10. The multi-media communication device of claim 1 further
comprising: power means for providing power to said data appliance
module.
11. A multi-media communication management system for serving a
selected one of a plurality of data appliance modules, the system
comprising: a local content server for providing information
content, that is compatible with a subscriber interface of the
selected appliance module, on a network media; and at least one
multi-media communication device comprising: a docking station for
coupling to the selected data appliance module; a network
communication circuit coupled to a network medium for exchanging
frames of data with the local content server over the network
medium; a data appliance module communication circuit coupled to
the docking bay for exchanging data with the selected appliance
module; a data appliance module support circuit comprising: means
for reading a network address of the local content server from a
memory stored in at least one of the multi-media communication
device and the appliance module, means for directing the network
communication circuit to establish a communication session with the
local content server utilizing the network address, and means for
translating a frame of data originated by the local content server
to a signal compatible with transmission to the data appliance
module by the data appliance module communication circuit.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the means for translating a
frame of data originated by the local content server to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module by the
data appliance module communication circuit comprises: means for
extracting a value of a data element from the frame of data; means
for associating the value with a data element; and means for
generating a signal that identifies the data element and the
value.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein the means for translating a
frame of data originated by the local content server to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module by the
data appliance module communication circuit comprises: means for
extracting a segment of compressed real time media data from the
frame of data; and means for generating a signal that includes the
segment chronologically sequenced amongst other segments of
compressed real time media data.
14. The system claim 11, wherein the data appliance module support
circuit further comprises: means for translating a signal received
from the data appliance module communication circuit representing
subscriber control of the data appliance module to a frame of data
compatible with a protocol recognized by the local content
server.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the means for translating a
frame of data originated by the local content server to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module by the
data appliance module communication circuit comprises: means for
extracting a value of a data element from the frame of data; means
for associating the value with a data element; means for generating
a signal that identifies the data element and the value; and
wherein the means for translating a signal received from the data
appliance module communication circuit representing subscriber
control of the data appliance module to a frame of data compatible
with a protocol recognized by the service provider comprises: means
for extracting a value of a data element from the signal, means for
extracting identification of the data element from the signal, and
means for generating a frame that includes the value and the
identity of the data element.
16. The system of claim 14 wherein the means for translating a
frame of data originated by the local content provider to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module by the
data appliance module communication circuit comprises: means for
extracting a segment of compressed real time media data from the
frame of data; means for generating a signal that includes the
segment chronologically sequenced amongst other segments of
compresses real time media data; and wherein the means for
translating a signal received from the data appliance module
communication circuit representing subscriber control of the data
appliance module to a frame of data compatible with a protocol
recognized by the local content server comprises: means for
extracting a value of a data element from the signal, means for
extracting identification of the data element from the signal, and
means for generating a frame that includes the value and the
identity of the data element.
17. A method of translating subscriber information content between
a information content server and a selected data appliance module,
the method comprising: detecting an data appliance module coupled
to a docking bay; determining a network address of an information
content server that provides information content that is compatible
with a subscriber interface of the data appliance module;
establishing a communication session with the information content
server utilizing the network address; and translating a frame of
data originated by the information content server to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module through
the docking bay.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of translating a frame
of data originated by the information content server to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module
comprises: extracting a value of a data element from the frame of
data; associating the value with the data element; and generating a
signal that identifies the data element and the value.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of translating a frame
of data originated by the information content server to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module
comprises: extracting a segment of compressed real time media data
from the frame of data; and generating a signal that includes the
segment chronologically sequenced amongst other segments of
compresses real time media data.
20. The method of claim 17 further comprising: translating a signal
received from the data appliance module communication circuit
representing subscriber control of the data appliance module to a
frame of data compatible with a protocol recognized by the
information content server.
21. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of translating a frame
of data originated by the information content server to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module
comprises: extracting a value of a data element from the frame of
data; associating the value with the data element; generating a
serial signal that identifies the data element and the value; and
wherein the step of translating a signal received from the data
appliance module communication circuit representing subscriber
control of the data appliance module to a frame of data compatible
with a protocol recognized by the information content server
comprises: extracting a value of a data element from the signal,
extracting identification of the data element from the signal, and
generating a frame that includes the value and the identity of the
data element.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of translating a frame
of data originated by the information content server to a signal
compatible with transmission to the data appliance module
comprises: extracting a segment of compressed real time media data
from the frame of data; generating a signal that includes the
segment chronologically sequenced amongst other segments of
compresses real time media data; and wherein the step of
translating a signal received from the data appliance module
communication circuit representing subscriber control of the data
appliance module to a frame of data compatible with a protocol
recognized by the information content server comprises: extracting
a value of a data element from the signal, extracting
identification of the data element from the signal, and generating
a frame that includes the value and the identity of the data
element.
23. The method of claim 17 further comprising: providing power to
said data appliance module from said multi-media communication
device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/961,532 titled Teledata Space and
Docking Station with Modular and Integrated Display filed on Sep.
24, 2001, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/000,543 filed on Oct. 23, 2001, titled Modular
Multi-Media Communication Management System.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to managing
multi-media communications, and more particularly to a modular
system with selectable appliance modules, each of which includes a
subscriber interface optimized for providing a type of information
to the subscriber.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In today's fast paced business world, it is common for a
person to rely on a combination of communication devices, such as:
desk top telephones, mobile telephones, cellular telephones, fax
machines, pagers, radios, televisions, Internet connected
computers, and the like, to accommodate their information and
communication needs.
[0004] In an office environment, desk top telephone service, voice
mail service, and fax service is typically provided by a private
telephone communication system. A contemporary private telephone
communication system consists of a switching network, a plurality
of desktop telephones, and a voice mail server. The voice mail
server is typically coupled to the switching network using a
proprietary interface. Each desk top telephone and fax machine is
coupled to the switching network by an extension line that consists
of twisted pair conductors that are terminated by a telephone jack
in the office. Communication between the desktop telephone and the
switching network over each extension line utilizes either
proprietary digital signaling or plain old telephone service (POTS)
signaling. The switching network is further coupled to the public
switched telephone network (Public Switched Telephone Network)
using trunk lines that are connected to a central office switch
that is typically managed by the local telephone service provider.
The switching network controls calls between extensions and between
an extension and a remote destination via a trunk line coupled to
the Public Switched Telephone Network. The switching network also
routes calls to the voice mail server when an extension remains
unanswered, is busy, or is otherwise programmed to route calls to
voice mail.
[0005] Recently fixed wireless networks have enabled wireless
mobile telephones to be supported by the private telephone
communication system. A wireless telephone controller is coupled to
a wireless network in which a plurality of mobile telephones may be
operated. The wireless telephone controller is coupled to the
switching network of the private telephone communication system. In
operation, each mobile telephone is assigned an extension number
and calls directed to that extension are routed to the wireless
telephone controller and then to the mobile telephone over the
wireless network. Because the mobile telephone is equivalent to a
desktop telephone from the perspective of the private telephone
communication system, full voice mail services are supported for
the mobile telephone.
[0006] Internet information services are typically provided by a
plurality of content service providers coupled to the Internet and
are typically accessed by client software on the person's desktop
and/or notebook computer. Internet information may include
messaging services such as e-mail and may include information
services that provide news reports, stock prices, or other
information content available on the web. The information content
may be in the form of HTML documents or in the form of real time
streaming audio or audio/video files.
[0007] A problem associated with utilizing a desk top or notebook
computer for Internet information is that the generic user
interface of the computer, keyboard, and browser software is
adequate for the display of HTML documents, but is not optimized
for display of real time audio/video information and is not
optimized for the subscriber to interact with the service provider
using intuitive and dedicated buttons or other controls.
[0008] Another problem associated with using a telephone system for
some information and communication services and utilizing the
desktop or notebook computer for other information services is that
there is a lack of integration and coordination between the
services.
[0009] What is needed is a multi-media communication management
system that provides coordinated and integrated access to
communication services and information content that does not suffer
the disadvantages of existing communication systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The multi-media communication management system comprises a
controller that interfaces with a plurality of communication space
stations, and their associated subscriber device(s), and with one
or more communication medium service providers.
[0011] The controller translates multi-media communications
received from a multimedia service provider into the protocols
required for use by the communication space stations as well as any
conventional telephone stations that may be coupled to the
controller. The communication and control signaling between the
controller and the communication space stations may be wireless in
nature with the communication space stations may each be powered by
an internal battery and/or connection to a local source of
conventional line power.
[0012] The architecture of the communication space station is
modular. Multiple functional elements can be interconnected with
backbone communication circuitry to form an integrated
communication platform. Modular docking interfaces may be used to
couple the space station communication device to portable
subscriber devices and to appliance modules that have a user
interface optimized for specific communication and/or information
services. The communication space station integrates and
coordinates communication through multiple communication medium
service providers. This coordinated and integrated system
architecture enables the space station communication device to
merge the functionality and internal data of the various portable
subscriber devices and appliance modules into the space station
communication device, to direct the functionality and data of the
space station communication device to a selected one of the
portable subscriber devices, and to provide the subscriber with a
simple subscriber interface.
[0013] For a better understanding of the present invention,
together with other and further aspects thereof, reference is made
to the following description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, and its scope is pointed out in the appended
clams.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram view of a modular multi-media
communication management system;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multi-media communication
management system controller;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a modular
communication space station;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communication space
station;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a subscriber data
assistant;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a wide area network
communication device;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a wireless dialog handset;
[0021] FIG. 8a is a table diagram representing a current network
location table;
[0022] FIG. 8b is a table diagram representing a multicast group
table;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a first exemplary appliance
module;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a second exemplary appliance
module;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a third exemplary appliance
module;
[0026] FIGS. 12a through 12j each show a flow chart representing
processing steps performed by a multi-media communication
management application;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a flow chart representing processing steps
performed by an exemplary content application;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a flow chart representing processing steps
performed by a module support application;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a flow chart representing exemplary operation of
packet audio/video gateway; and
[0030] FIGS. 16a through 16h each show an exemplary display of
information to a subscriber utilizing a subscriber interface of a
communication space station.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The present invention is now described in detail with
reference to the drawings. In the drawings, each element with a
reference number is similar to other elements with the same
reference number independent of any letter designation following
the reference number.
[0032] It should also be appreciated that many of the elements
discussed in this specification may be implemented in hardware
circuit(s), a processor executing software code, or a combination
of a hardware circuit and a processor executing code. As such, the
term circuit or module as used throughout this specification is
intended to encompass a hardware circuit (whether discrete elements
or an integrated circuit block), a processor executing code, or a
combination of a hardware circuit and a processor executing code,
or other combinations of the above known to those skilled in the
art.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-media communication management
system 10 which includes a control unit 12 that is coupled with a
plurality of local communication devices 20 over a wireless Local
Area Network 22 (or by a wired network connection 23 to the
backbone wired network of the wireless Local Area Network 22). The
local communication devices 20 may include: subscriber stations 24
(communication space stations 24), wireless dialog handsets 26,
traditional computer systems 32, and network printers 46. Each
subscriber station 24 may include multiple module docking bases
62a, 62b, and 62c for supporting various appliances and subscriber
devices that may include data appliance modules 30a and 30b, a
display screen 59, or a docking interface module 58 which in-turn
supports a subscriber device such as a personal data assistant 86
or a wireless telephone appliance 88.
[0034] Appliance modules 30a and 30b may each include a user
interface and circuitry tailored to facilitate user interaction
and/or display of a particular type of data to a subscriber. For
example, appliance module 30b includes a long, narrow display
screen and circuits tailored to present a streaming stock ticker
display. Appliance module 32a includes a display, speaker, volume
control, channel select buttons, and circuits tailored to display
streaming audio/video programming from subscriber selected
sources.
[0035] The control unit 12 includes a Public Switched Telephone
Network bay 25 which operatively couples the control unit 12 to one
or more subscriber loops of the Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN) 42 and includes a multi-media communication service provider
bay 14 which operatively couples the control unit 12 to a
multi-media Service Provider network 18 through one of a plurality
of communication medium modules 16a-16d. The multi-media Service
Provider network 18 may utilize the Internet Protocol Suite for
communication at the IP level, but may be proprietary at the data
link and physical layers. As such, the control unit 12 includes the
IP stacks applicable for communication between applications over
the multi-media Service Provider network 18 and each module 16a-16d
includes the applicable data link and physical layer circuits for
communication of IP frames over the physical medium of the
multi-media Service Provider network 18a-18d.
[0036] Some examples of communication modules include:
communication module 16a which may be a cable modem module for
communicating over coaxial cable 36 with a multi-media
communication service provider such as a local cable company,
communication module 16b which may be a wide area network radio for
communication over a wireless spectrum channel 38 with a wide area
wireless multi-media communication service provider such as an
analog or digital cellular/PCS telephone service provider,
communication module 16c which may be a customer service unit (CSU)
for communication over a T1 line 40 with a multimedia communication
provider such as a local telephone service provider, and
communication module 16d which may be an optical modem for
communication over a fiber channel 44 with a fiber optic
multi-media communication service provider.
[0037] In operation, the control unit 12 integrates and manages
multi-media communication between two or more local communication
devices 20 and between each local communication device 20 and a
remote communication system(s) (not shown) coupled to either the
multi-media Service Provider network 18 or the Public Switched
Telephone Network 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 12
includes applicable modules for managing the Local Area Network 22
as an IP network. Such modules may include a protocol conversion
module 27, an applicable combination of hubs, routers, and switches
29 for managing communications over the Local Area Network 22 as
well as an address server 220 (e.g. DHCP server) for assigning
local IP addresses to each local communication device 20 as the
necessary circuitry 28 to implement the data link and physical
layers of the communication protocol(s). The control unit 12 may
also include a packet gateway 232, a voice mail module 236, an
e-mail module 228, a web server 230, a Public Switched Telephone
Network interface 25, and memory 235.
[0038] Packet Gateway
[0039] The packet gateway 232 provides a subscriber's real time,
full duplex voice communication and audio/video communication
services. These services may include routing, maintaining, and
selectively recording a subscriber's outgoing calls and incoming
calls. A subscriber's outgoing calls may comprise voice calls,
audio/video calls, and multi-party conference calls (either voice
or audio/video) that are originated by a subscriber's communication
space station 24. The destination(s) may include remote packet
audio/video devices coupled to the multimedia Service Provider
network 18, remote telephones coupled to the Public Switched
Telephone Network 42, or other subscriber's served the multi media
communication management system 10. A subscriber's incoming calls
may comprise calls (either voice or audio/video) that are
originated by a remote telephone device coupled to the Public
Switched Telephone Network 42, remote packet audio/video devices
coupled to the multi-media Service Provider network 18,
communication space stations 24, or the audio/video conference
module 229.
[0040] The packet gateway 232 communicates over the Local Area
Network 22 and the multi-media Service Provider network 18
utilizing IP protocols. However, voice communication over the
Public Switched Telephone Network 42 utilizes analog or Public
Switched Telephone Network digital voice signals. As such, the
Public Switched Telephone Network interface 25 includes circuits
for translating between Public Switched Telephone Network call
signaling (and analog/digital Public Switched Telephone Network
voice communication) to digital call signaling messages (and
digital voice communication) for use by the packet gateway 232.
Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, the discussion of the packet
gateway 232 herein refers to Public Switched Telephone Network
interface 25 as an originating or destination device with which a
voice call may be established and maintained. However, it should be
appreciated that the Public Switched Telephone Network interface 25
is not the ultimate origination or destination but is operating to
interface the packet gateway 232 to a telephone system on the
Public Switched Telephone Network 42 with which it could not
communicate directly.
[0041] The packet gateway 232 includes a call signaling module 227
that includes circuits for receiving call signaling messages from
an originating device, identifying a destination device, providing
call signaling messages to the destination device, and, if
responded to by the destination device, negotiating compression
algorithms and establishing channel usage for the relay of real
time voice or audio/video communications. In the exemplary
embodiment call signaling utilizes defined protocols, such as the
H.323 protocols promulgated by the International Telephony Union
(ITU) or the Session Initiation Protocols (SIP) promulgated by the
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
[0042] For incoming calls, the call signaling message provided by
the originating device may identify a subscriber served by the
multimedia communication management system 10. The call signaling
module 227 attempts to identify the communication space station 24
that is then serving the subscriber device 50 that is assigned to
the identified subscriber. The process of identifying a destination
device is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 8a. The call signaling
message, identifying the subscriber, is received by the call
signaling module 227 at step 600. Each subscriber can be assigned a
four digit subscriber identifier number that corresponds to the
last four digits of a Public Switched Telephone Network direct dial
number that routes to the Public Switched Telephone Network
interface 25 when dialed on the Public Switched Telephone Network
42. As such, the call signaling message, whether provided by an
originating device coupled to multimedia Service Provider network
18, an originating device coupled to network 22, or the Public
Switched Telephone Network interface 25, may include the subscriber
identifier number to identify the destination subscriber. At step
602, the call signaling module 227 identifies a subscriber device
50 (FIG. 1) that is associated with the identified subscriber
utilizing the network location table 245. To associate each
subscriber with their subscriber device 50, the network location
table 245 includes a record for each subscriber. Within such record
is a field that identifies the subscriber, the four digit
subscriber identifier associated with the subscriber, and a
subscriber device ID code that is unique to the subscriber device
50 that is assigned to the subscriber.
[0043] At step 604, the call signaling module 227 identifies
whether the subscriber device 50 is served by a communication space
station 24. The network location table 245 further includes a field
that may comprise the network address of the communication space
station 24 that is presently serving the subscriber device 50
assigned to the subscriber. The address within this field is
updated when the subscriber moves their subscriber device 50 from
one communication space station 24 to another. If the subscriber
device 50 is not presently served by any communication space
station 24, then the corresponding field in network location table
245 indicates such as represented by the term "open". If at step
604, the call signaling module 227 determines that the subscriber
device 50 assigned to the subscriber is not presently served by any
communication space station 24, the voice mail module 236 becomes
the default destination subscriber device 50 to which call
signaling is provided at step 612. If call signaling is provided to
the voice mail module 236 at step 612, the call signaling module
227 negotiates compression algorithms and establishes communication
channels at step 614 only to the originating device to relay voice
real time communications between the voice mail module 236 and the
originating device until the originating device is disconnected
from the voice mail module 236. However, if the subscriber device
50 is served by a communication space station 24, such
communication space station 24 becomes the destination device to
which call signaling is provided at step 606.
[0044] At step 608, the call signaling module 227 determines
whether the communication space station 24 is responding to the
call signaling. In certain events, such as when the subscriber is
already engaged in a telephone call or if the subscriber does not
answer the inbound call, the communication space station 24 does
not respond to the call signaling. In which case, the voice mail
module 236 again becomes the default destination device to which
call signaling is provided at step 612. If call signaling is
provided to the voice mail module 236 at step 612, the call
signaling module 227 negotiates compression algorithms and
establishes communication channels at step 614 only to the
originating device to relay voice real time communications between
the voice mail module 236 and the originating device until the
originating device is disconnected from the voice mail module 236.
If the call signaling is responded to by the communication space
station 24, the call signaling module 227 at step 610 negotiates
compression algorithms and establishes communication channels with
both the communication space station 24 and with the originating
device to relay voice or audio/video real time communications for
the duration of the call.
[0045] For outbound calls, the communication space station 24
provides call signaling module 227 with a number that represents
the intended destination. The number may be a 10 digit number
routable on the Public Switched Telephone Network 42, a number
identifying a person or station coupled to the multi-media Service
Provider network 18, or a subscriber ID representing a subscriber
to the system 10. The call signaling module 227 identifies the
destination device first by determining whether the number
represents a person or destination coupled to the multi-media
Service Provider network 18, the Public Switched Telephone Network
42, or a subscriber. The call signaling module 227 refers to a
directory within memory 235 that maps possible numbers to one of
the three networks. It should be appreciated that a Public Switched
Telephone Network routable telephone number may also represent a
person or station coupled to the multi-media Service Provider
network 18. As such, the directory within memory 235 may include a
priority such that the call signaling module 227 attempts to
establish call signaling utilizing multimedia Service Provider
network 18 as a first priority and the Public Switched Telephone
Network 42 as a second priority.
[0046] If the destination device is coupled to the multi-media
Service Provider network 18, the number may be permanently assigned
to a person or a station. However, the IP network address utilized
by the person or station may change periodically. As such, the call
signaling module 227 may query a remote directory server to
determine the network address of the destination device or the
network address of a proxy for the remote device. Call signaling is
then provided to the destination device or the proxy. If the call
signaling is responded to by the proxy or the remote device, the
call signaling module 227 negotiates compression algorithms and
establishes communication channels with both the originating
communication space station 24 and with proxy or remote device for
the relay of voice or audio/video real time communications for the
duration of the call.
[0047] If the destination device is coupled to the Public Switched
Telephone Network 42, the destination device is the Public Switched
Telephone Network interface 25 and call signaling is provided to
the Public Switched Telephone Network interface 25. Again, if the
call signaling is responded to by the Public Switched Telephone
Network interface 25 (indicating that the call has been established
on the Public Switched Telephone Network 42) the call signaling
module negotiate compression algorithms and establish communication
channels with the originating communication space station 24 for
the relay of real time audio communications between the
communication space station 24 and the Public Switched Telephone
Network interface 25 for the duration of the call. If the
destination device is a subscriber to the system 10, steps
discussed above with respect to FIG. 15 are applicable.
[0048] For both inbound and outbound calls, the relay of real time
voice or audio/video communications is provided by a relay module
229 within the packet audio/video gateway 232. The relay module 229
relays sequences of real time transport protocol (RTP) frames that
include compressed audio data and compressed video communications
between each of the call participants and the conference mix module
237. The conference mix module 237 includes voice mixing circuits
for receiving multiple voice streams to generate one or more
conference mix voice streams. The conference mix module 237
provides the conference mix voice streams back to the relay module
229 for relay back to the conference session participants. It
should be appreciated that it is undesirable to include the voice
of a participant in the conference mix voice stream that be
returned to such participant because echoes could occur. As such, a
single conference call may require multiple conference mix voice
streams--one for each participant that excludes such participant's
own voice. As such, the conference mix module 237 may also generate
a master mix signal that includes all participants that is passed
to the recording module 39 which, in turn, stores a digital
representation of the master mix signal in a voice recording file
37.
[0049] Voice Mail Module
[0050] The voice mail module 226 includes circuits for responding
to the call signaling provided by the call signaling module 227,
providing a sequence of RTP frames representing applicable audio
prompts from compressed audio prompt files 233 to the relay module
229, receiving RTP frames from the relay module 229 representing
the voice of the remote caller leaving a message for the
subscriber, compressing the message into a digital audio file, and
sending the digital audio file to the e-mail module 228 for storage
in the e-mail files 247 for later retrieval by the subscriber.
[0051] E-Mail Module
[0052] The e-mail module 228 maintains an e-mail account associated
with each subscriber. The e-mail module 228 includes circuits for
interfacing with a remote email server. The e-mail module 228 logs
onto an account associated with each subscriber, obtains new e-mail
messages associated with the subscriber, and sends e-mail messages
drafted by the subscriber to the remote server. The e-mail module
228 also maintains e-mail files 247 in the memory 235 that may
include an address book and an inbox for each subscriber.
[0053] Web Server
[0054] The web server 230 comprises a communication space station
management application 32, a multicast module 231, an address
translation module 31, and a local content application 33. Examples
of the multi media communication services provided to each
subscriber by the web server 230 include: delivery of e-mail and
voice mail messages (as e-mailed audio files) to the communication
space station 24 at which the subscriber's subscriber device 50 is
presently coupled; updating of the network location table 245 to
assure proper routing of incoming voice and audio/video calls;
delivery of data content provided by local data applications; proxy
communication over multi-media Service Provider network 18 for
delivery of data content provided by remote data application
providers; delivery of a multicast messages directed to a
subscriber to the particular communication space station 24 at
which their subscriber device is presently coupled; and providing
subscriber control of voice and audio/video conference calls
through the packet gateway 232.
[0055] To provide communication services to each communication
space station 24, the communication space station management
application 32 processes certain scripts in response to events
generated by a communication space station 24 and the packet
gateway 232. In processing the scripts, the communication space
station management application 32 manages subscriber communication
data stored in a memory 235 and provides operating instructions to
each communication space station 24, the e-mail module 228, the
multicast module 231, and the local content application 33. The
communication space station management application 32 provides for
the communication space station 24 to navigate, as a client,
through a layered menu to select applicable services from the
control unit 12. The communication space station application 32
maintains state information for each communication space station
24, such that each communication space station 24 may navigate
through the layered menu independently of other communication space
station 24 units.
[0056] The multicast module 231 provides IP multicast services to
enable the communication space station management application 32 to
simultaneously deliver selected communication services to multiple
communication space stations 24, utilizing IP multicast protocols
and without using excessive bandwidth on Local Area Network 22. The
address translation module 31 provides address and port translation
services to enable the web server 230 to provide each communication
space station 24 with access to servers that provide remote data
applications and are coupled to the multi-media Service Provider
network 18 as an IP layer proxy and without using higher layer
resources of the control unit 12. The local data content
application 33 provides data content to each communication space
station 24 in accordance with subscriber interaction through the
communication space station 24.
[0057] In the exemplary embodiment, non-streaming media
communication between the web server 230 and each communication
space station 24 utilizes tagged data messages over a TCP/IP
session between the web server 230 and a system client application
115 or an appliance module support application 117 (FIG. 4) within
the communication space station 24. Each message transferred
between the web server 230 and the communication space station 24
comprises a data element and a tag identifying the significance of
the data element. For example: if the data element comprises the
text of an e-mail message, the tag would identify the data element
as the text of an e-mail message; if the data element comprises an
executable script that would provide for the communication space
station 24 to perform a certain function, the tag would identify
the data element as executable script and may identify the
significance of the script; and if the data element comprises
display layout control information (e.g. a style sheet) defining
how another date element (such as the text of the e-mail) should be
displayed on a display screen, the tag would identify the data
element as a style sheet.
[0058] Streaming media communications between the web server 230
(such as multi-cast streaming media messages provided by the IP
multicast module 231 or streaming media content provided by the
address translation module 31 or the local data application 33 and
the client application 115 or the appliance module support
application 117 utilize a sequence of RTP frames that include
compressed media data and are sent utilizing UDP/IP channels.
[0059] Communication Space Station
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a communication
space station 24. The communication space station 24 includes a
platform unit 52 that operatively couples to the control unit 12
via either a wireless communication link between a platform unit
network circuit 96 and the wireless Local Area Network 22 or a
direct network connection 23 between the platform unit 52 and the
backbone network of the wireless Local Area Network 22.
[0061] A plurality of subscriber interface modules 54, 60a, 60b,
and 11 may be coupled to the platform unit 52. The platform unit 52
includes a subscriber interface docking platform 64 for coupling
and optionally supporting one of a plurality of modular subscriber
interface units 60a or 60b to the platform unit 52. The modular
subscriber interface unit 60a may include a plurality of buttons 68
in an arrangement similar to a typical telephone key pad to provide
for subscriber input in a manner similar to that of a traditional
telephone handset. The modular subscriber interface 60b may include
a touch panel 72 to provide for subscriber input through virtual
buttons visible thereon.
[0062] The platform unit 52 further includes a subscriber interface
docking platform 74 which couples to a subscriber interface module
54. The subscriber interface module 54 may include subscriber
interface buttons configured for enhancing subscriber messaging
through the communication space station 24 such as a voice message
control 76 for single button access to voice message files, an
e-mail control 78 for single button access to subscriber e-mail
messages, and a print control 80 for single button initiation of
the printing of an e-mail message.
[0063] The platform unit 52 further includes a docking bay 62a into
which a modular docking interface 58 may be secured and operatively
coupled to the platform unit 52. The modular docking interface 58
supports one of a plurality of modular subscriber devices 50 within
a subscriber device interface bay 66 and provides for operatively
coupling the modular subscriber device 50 to the platform unit 52.
Exemplary configurations for the modular subscriber device 50
include a subscriber data assistant 86, a subscriber wide area
network communication device 88, and the wireless LAN voice handset
26, each of which is discussed in more detail herein. The platform
unit 52 also includes docking bay 61 into which a modular video
camera 11 may be coupled to the communication space station 24. The
platform unit 52 also includes appliance docking bays 62b and 62c
into which a selected appliance module 30a, 30b, or 30c may be
operatively coupled to the platform unit 52.
[0064] While operatively coupled to the platform unit 52, the
subscriber device 50, the video camera 11, and the selected
appliance module(s) 30a, 30b, 30c become an integral part of the
subscriber interface of the communication space station 24. The
module video camera 11 provides a video image for use by the
communication space station 24 when participating in a video
conference call. A liquid crystal graphic display on the subscriber
device 50 and/or the appliance modules 30a, 30b, 30c may function
to display multi-media communication management information under
control of the platform unit 52 and the control unit 12.
Programmable subscriber controls 92 positioned adjacent to the
subscriber device 50 may be configured to activate platform unit 52
and control unit 12 functions in accordance with the contents of
the graphic display 90 adjacent to the controls 92. Subscriber
controls on each of the selected appliance modules 30a, 30b, 30c
may activate platform unit 52 and control unit 12 functions to
control the appliance modules 30a, 30b, 30c.
[0065] The platform unit 52 may further include one or more of the
following elements: a handset 98 similar to a traditional telephone
handset to provide a subscriber voice interface, a speaker 100 and
a microphone 102 to provide a hands-free subscriber voice
interface, a modular battery pack 70 (which fits within a battery
pack bay that is not shown) for operating power when the
communication space station 24 is uncoupled from a line voltage,
cell button 104 for single button selection of certain functions
such as a wide area network communication function, and help button
106 for single button selection of a help function.
[0066] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the communication space
station 24. The platform unit 52 includes an application controller
112 coupled to a local bus 116 that interconnects a application
controller 112 with a plurality of peripheral circuits that include
a wireless module 94, a power management controller 120, a
communication controller 122, a key switch controller 126, a touch
panel controller 128, and a voice communication system 130. The
wireless module 94 operatively couples the platform unit 52 with
the control unit 12 over the wireless LAN 22 (both of FIG. 1). The
application controller 112 includes appropriate drivers for
operation of the wireless module 94. The power management
controller 120 selectively receives input power from the battery
pack 70 or external line voltage 134. The power management
controller 120 includes appropriate circuits for converting the
input power voltage to appropriate operating power required by each
component of the communication space station 24. Additionally, the
power management controller 120 includes appropriate circuits for
managing charging of the battery pack 70 when the platform unit 52
is coupled to the line voltage 134 and generating appropriate power
for operating and/or charging the modular docking interface 58 and
the modular subscriber device 50 when coupled to the platform unit
52.
[0067] The communication controller 122 operatively couples the
application controller 112 to the modular docking interface 58 (and
the modular subscriber device 50), the video camera 11, and each of
the appliance modules 30a, 30b, 30c, such that the platform 52 can
exchange data with each of such devices. In the exemplary
embodiment, the communication controller 122 is a serial
communication controller that enables the serial exchange of data
with a compatible serial communication controller within the
modular subscriber device 50 over a physical medium. An exemplary
controller could be a USB hub or an Ethernet hub. Exemplary
physical mediums could include hardwired contacts, an infrared
transmission, and RF transmission, however other controllers and
physical mediums are envisioned and the selection of a physical
medium is not critical to this invention.
[0068] The key switch (e.g. button) controller 126 is coupled to: a
connector 136a which in turn is coupled to a mating connector on
the modular subscriber interface unit 60a (FIG. 3) for
interconnecting the buttons 68 to the key switch controller 126; a
connector 136b which in turn is coupled to a mating connector 142
on the function specific module 54 for interconnecting the buttons
76 and 86 to the key switch controller 126; the cell button 104;
and the help button 106. The key switch controller 126 may drive
row and column signals to the various buttons and, upon detecting a
short between a row and a column (e.g. button activation) reports
the button activation to the application controller 112 over the
bus 116. Again, the application controller 112 includes appropriate
drivers for operating the key switch controller 126.
[0069] The touch panel controller 128 is coupled to a connector 144
which in turn is coupled to a mating connector on the modular
subscriber interface unit 60b (FIG. 3) for interconnecting the
touch panel 72 to the touch panel controller 128. In the exemplary
embodiment, the touch panel controller 128 may include a separate
display control circuit compatible with the resolution and color
depth of the display component of the touch panel display 72 and a
separate touch panel control circuit for detecting subscriber
contact with the touch panel display 72. The application controller
112 includes appropriate systems for driving the contents of the
touch panel display 72 through the touch panel controller 128.
[0070] The voice communication system 130 generates analog voice
signals for driving the speaker 100 (or the speaker in the handset
98 of FIG. 3) and detects input from the microphone 102 (or the
microphone in the handset 98) under the control the application
controller 112.
[0071] The application controller 112 executes a packet voice/video
communication client 113, a client application 115, and an
appliance module support application 117. The packet voice/video
communication client 113 provides for setting up UDP/IP channels
for RTP packet voice and RTP packet video communications with the
packet gateway 232 (FIG. 2) within the control unit 12. The packet
audio/video communication client 113 also compresses video images
from the video camera into a sequence of RTP frames for sending to
the packet gateway 232, compresses voice signals from the voice
communication circuit 130 into sequences of RTP frames for sending
to the packet gateway 232 and decompresses RTP frames of video
images and audio signals received from the packet gateway 232 for
driving the voice communication circuit 130 and for displaying a
video image on a display. In the exemplary embodiment, the packet
vocie/video communication client 113 may be one of the commercially
available clients utilizing established protocols such as the
International Telephone Union (ITU) H.323 protocols, The Internet
Engineering Task Force (IETF) Session Initiation Protocols, or
other protocols useful for signaling and establishing a real time
streaming media session with the packet gateway 232.
[0072] The client application 115 operates as a client to the web
server application 230 (FIG. 3) within the control unit 12. The
client application 115 provides for the application controller 112
to: generate an image on the touch panel display 72 or on the
display 90 on the subscriber device 50 in accordance with display
content and a style sheet received from the control unit 12; output
an audio stream file received from the control unit 12 through the
voice system 130; execute processing steps in accordance with
instructions received from the control unit 12; provide messages
indicating subscriber actions (such as subscriber activation of the
cell button 104, the help button 106, a touch panel virtual button,
or any other button on the communication space station 24) to the
web server application 230; activate the packet voice/video client
113 to set up a real time voice/video session with the packet
gateway 232 (FIG. 2); identifying the modular configuration or
subscriber interface configuration of the communication space
station 24 and reporting the configuration to the control unit 12;
and reporting the coupling of (and decoupling of) a subscriber
device 50 and/or modules to the platform 52 of the communication
space station 24 to the control unit 12.
[0073] The appliance module support application 117 operates as a
client to the web server application 230 (FIG. 3) within the
control unit 12 to provide for the control unit 12 to support
appliance modules 30a, 30b, and 30c. In the case of appliance
module 30a, the appliance module support application 117 provides
for: the subscriber to operate channel select buttons on the
appliance module 30a to select a streaming audio/video channel that
includes data content (such as news, weather, finance) desired by
the subscriber; and the controller 12 to send streaming audio/video
media in accordance with the subscriber selection for display on
display 488 and output by the speaker 490. In the case of appliance
module 30b, the appliance module support application 117 provides
for the control unit 12 to provide stock ticker data for output on
the long narrow display screen 450. In the case of appliance module
30c, the appliance module support application 117 provides for
reporting of subscriber activation of buttons on the appliance
module 30c to the control unit 12 and receipt of display screens
for display to the operator on the display screen 476.
[0074] FIG. 14 illustrates in flow diagram form, the operation of
the appliance module support application 117. At step 550, the
appliance module support application 117 establishes communications
with an appliance module 30a-c utilizing the communication
controller 122 once the appliance module 30a-c is docked to the
docking bay 62b or 62c. At step 552, the appliance module support
application 117 obtains content application logon data. More
specifically, this step may include reading a network address of
either a local content application or a remote content application
provider coupled to the multi-media Service Provider network 18
from a memory as well as a logon id, password, and other data that
may be useful initiating a session with the content application.
Alternatively, this step may include obtaining all such data from
the appliance module 30a-c utilizing the communication controller
122.
[0075] At step 554, the appliance module support application 117
uses the content application logon data from step 552 to establish
a session with the content application. Thereafter, the sub steps
of step 556 represent operation of the appliance module support
application 117 during the session. In sub-step 558, the appliance
module support application 117 receives signals from the appliance
module 30a-c indicating subscriber operation of buttons on the
appliance module 30a-c (or other subscriber controls). At step 560,
the appliance module support application 117 extracts the data from
the received signals to identify the indication of subscriber
operation of the button and builds a frame of data that includes
message schema comprising a data element representing the
subscriber activation and a tag identifying the data element. At
step 562, the appliance module support application 117 sends the
frame to the content application utilizing a communication protocol
compatible with Local Area Network 22 and the content
application.
[0076] Sub-steps 564-568 represent interfacing data received from
the content application to the appliance module. At step 564, the
appliance module support application 117 receives frames of data
from the content application. The frames of data may be RTP frames
representing streaming audio/video data or may be a message schema
that includes tagged data elements. If at step 556, the frames are
determined to be RTP frames, at step 572, the appliance module
support application 117 chronologically sequences the compressed
streaming audio or audio/video data from the received frames. At
step 574, the appliance module support application 117 provides a
digital signal representing the sequenced streaming media data to
the appliance module 30a-c utilizing the communication circuit 122.
Alternatively, if at step 556 the frames are determined to be a
message schema, at step 558, the appliance module support
application 117 extracts a data element value from the message
schema along with identifying the data element providing operating
instructions (that may include both the data element value and the
identify of the data element) to the appliance module. An example
would include operating instruction to refresh a graphic image on
an appliance module display screen.
[0077] Subscriber Data Assistant
[0078] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary structure of a subscriber
data assistant 86 which includes a subscriber data assistant
controller 160 interconnected to a plurality of peripheral
controllers by an internal bus 162. Because of the small size and
the portability of the subscriber data assistant 86, the touch
panel 90 provides the primary subscriber interface. The touch panel
90 is controlled by a display controller 164 and a touch panel
controller 166. The display controller 164 drives the liquid
crystal display of touch panel 90 using signals compatible with the
resolution and color depth of the display 90. The touch panel
controller 166 detects user activation of the touch panel 90. The
subscriber data assistant controller 160 operates appropriate
drivers 176 for controlling operation of the touch panel controller
166 and the display controller 164.
[0079] A communication controller 168 is also coupled to the bus
162 and operates under control of the subscriber data assistant
controller 160. The communication controller 168 is a serial
communication controller that is compatible with the communication
circuit 122 of the platform unit 52 (both of FIG. 4) such that data
communication may occur between the platform unit 52 and the
subscriber data assistant 86 when the subscriber data assistant 86
is operatively coupled to the platform unit 52.
[0080] A power management circuit 170 selectively receives input
power from a battery pack 172 or from the power management circuit
120 in the platform unit 52. The power management circuit 170
includes appropriate circuits for converting the input power
voltage to appropriate operating power required by each component
of the subscriber data assistant 86. Additionally, the power
management circuit 170 includes appropriate circuits for managing
charging of the battery pack 172 when the subscriber data assistant
is coupled to the platform unit 52.
[0081] The subscriber data assistant controller 160 also operates a
communication space station client application 174 to display
multi-media communication management information under control the
platform unit 52 when coupled to the platform unit 52. The
communication space station client application 174 receives
messages from the platform unit 52 in the form of tagged messages.
After receipt of the tagged messages, the communication space
station client application 174 builds a display document to display
the communication management information represented by tagged
content messages in accordance with a style sheet that is
compatible with the size, resolution, and color depth of the touch
panel display 90. The display document is then displayed on the
touch panel display 90.
[0082] It should be appreciated that in additional to operating the
drivers 176 and the communication space station client application
174, the subscriber data assistant controller 160 may optionally
operate any of the software applications that are commercially
available for portable data assistants (PDAs) which may include
address book management software, calendar management software, and
games. While operation of such PDA applications may be useful to
the subscriber, it is not critical to the operation of the present
invention.
[0083] Subscriber Wide Area Network Communication Device
[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates in block diagram form wide area network
communication device 88 that includes a wide area network
controller 180 operating a Communication Space Station application
174', the subscriber contact directory application 178, a wireless
communication application 194, and applicable drivers 196 for a
plurality of peripheral controllers. The wide area network
controller 180 is interconnected to the plurality of peripheral
controllers by an internal bus 186. The peripheral controllers
include a wide area network RF circuit 182, a voice system 197, a
display controller 184, a touch panel controller 185, a key switch
controller 193, a communication controller 188, and a power
management system 190.
[0085] The wide area network RF circuit 182 may be a circuit for
transmitting and receiving signals from a wide area network service
provider's medium under control of the wireless communication
application 194. Exemplary wide area network service provider
mediums include an analog or digital cellular or PCS telephone RF
system.
[0086] The key switch controller 193 is coupled to the control
buttons 195. The key switch controller 193 drives row and column
signals to the control buttons 195 and, upon detecting a short
between a row and a column indicating button activation, reports
the activation to the wide area network controller 180. The control
buttons 195 may be used by a subscriber for operating the wide area
network communication device 88 when uncoupled form the platform
unit 52.
[0087] The voice system 197 includes a speaker and a microphone.
Under control of the wireless communication application 194, the
voice system 197 may provide a subscriber voice interface for an
audio session with a remote device over the wide area network
service provider's medium. The display controller 184 drives the
touch panel 90 using signals compatible with the resolution and
color depth of the touch panel display 90. The touch panel 90 may
optionally be a touch panel display 90 and the touch panel
controller 185 detects user activation of the touch panel 90. The
communication controller 188 may be a serial communication
controller compatible with the communication controller 122 in the
platform unit 52 such that data communication may occur between the
platform unit 52 and the wide area network communication device 88
when the wide area network communication device is operatively
coupled to the platform unit 52. The power management controller
190 operating with a battery pack 192, both of which may operate in
a similar manner to the power management controller 170, and the
battery pack 172 discussed with reference to FIG. 5.
[0088] Similar to the subscriber data assistant 86 (FIG. 5), when
the wide area network communication device 88 is coupled to the
platform unit 52, the Communication Space Station application 174'
provides for displaying multi-media communication management
information under control the platform unit 52 and provides for
multi-media communication directly between the platform unit and
the wide area network service provider medium.
[0089] In addition the Communication Space Station application 174'
may receive messages from the platform unit 52 which may be
multi-media communication messages for communication over the wide
area network service provider medium. Each message includes a tag
that identifies the contents of the message. After receipt of a
tagged message, the Communication Space Station application 174'
may identify whether the message is for communication with the wide
area network service provider medium or whether it is multi-media
communication management information for display.
[0090] When the message is for communication with the wide area
network service provider medium, the Communication Space Station
application 174' reformats the message to a format compatible with
wide area network service provider medium transmission standards
and transmit the message using the wide area network RF circuit
182. The wide area network communication device 88 may also receive
signals from the wide area network service provider medium via the
wide area network RF circuit 182. When received, the Communication
Space Station application 174' reformats the messages into a
plurality of tagged messages for communication to the platform unit
52 and sends the tagged messages to the platform unit 52 via the
communication controller 188.
[0091] Wireless Voice Handsets
[0092] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an exemplary wireless voice
handset 26. The wireless voice handset 26 includes a network
circuit 278 and a wireless voice handset controller 250 that
operates a Communication Space Station application 174", the
subscriber contact directory application 178, a LAN communication
application 252, and applicable drivers 254 for each of a plurality
of peripheral controllers. The wireless voice handset controller
250 is interconnected by a bus 276 to the plurality of peripheral
controllers which include a module controller 258, a display driver
260, a touch panel driver 261, a key switch controller 264, and a
power management circuit 270.
[0093] The module controller 258 operatively couples the network
circuit 278 to the controller 250 such that the wireless voice
handset 26 may communicate with the control unit 12 over the
wireless LAN 22 (both of FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment, the
module controller 258 may be a PCMCIA controller circuit and the
network circuit 278 is configured as a PCMCIA card that coupled to
the module controller 258 through a PCMCIA connector 272. The LAN
communication application 252 operates the network circuit 278 for
communicating with the control unit 12 using appropriate wireless
signaling protocols.
[0094] The key switch controller 264 is coupled to the control
buttons 266. The key switch controller 264 drives row and column
signals to the control buttons 266 and, upon detecting a short
between a row and a column indicating button activation, reports
the activation to the wireless voice handset controller 250. The
control buttons may be used by a subscriber for operating the
wireless voice handset 26 when uncoupled form the platform unit
52.
[0095] The display controller 260 drives the display 90 (optionally
a touch panel display 90) using signals compatible with the
resolution and color depth of the display 90. The touch panel
controller 261 detects user activation of the touch panel display
90. The power management controller 270 operates in conjunction
with a battery pack 268, both of which may operate in a similar
manner to the power management controller 170, and the battery pack
172 discussed with reference to FIG. 5.
[0096] When the wireless voice handset 26 is coupled to the
platform unit 52, the Communication Space Station application 174"
provides for displaying multi-media communication management
information under control the platform unit 52. Additionally, the
Communication Space Station application 174" may receive
multi-media communication management information content messages
and control messages directly from the control unit 12 via the
wireless network 22. After receipt of the tagged messages from
either the platform unit 52 or the control unit 12, the
Communication Space Station application 174" builds a document to
display the communication management information represented by the
tagged content messages in accordance with display layout control
messages that are compatible with the size, resolution, and color
depth of the touch panel display 90. The display document is then
displayed on the touch panel display 90.
[0097] Stock Ticker Appliance Module
[0098] FIG. 9 illustrates in block diagram form a stock ticker
appliance module 30b that includes a stock ticker appliance module
control unit 442, a communication circuit 444, a memory (which may
be embedded with the control unit) 446, a display driver 448, and a
long narrow display useful the display of streaming stock ticker
data.
[0099] The communication circuit 444, operating under control of
the stock ticker appliance module control unit 442, utilizes
communication protocols that are compatible with the communication
controller 122 (FIG. 4) such that the communication controller 122
may receive stock ticker data while secured to the docking bay 62c
(FIG. 4). The display driver 448, operating under control of the
stock ticker appliance module control unit 442, reads a virtual
representation of the display in the memory 446 and provides row
and column signals for driving the display 450 to show a streaming
stock ticker in accordance with a virtual representation of display
content in the memory 446. The stock ticker appliance module
control unit 442 includes circuits for operating the communication
circuit 444 and the display driver 448 and for receiving the stock
ticker data from the communication circuit 444 and writing a
virtual representation of screen content of a streaming ticker to
the memory 446. In operation, the stock ticker appliance module
control unit 442 initiates communication with the communication
space station 24 at start up and may identify either a local
content application or a remote content application coupled to the
multi-media service provider network 18 that provides stock ticker
data. Thereafter, the stock ticker appliance module control unit
442 coordinates the receipt of stock ticker data from the
communication space station 24 utilizing the communication circuit
444 and the display of streaming stock ticker data utilizing the
display driver circuit 448.
[0100] Time Billing Appliance Module
[0101] FIG. 10 illustrates in block diagram form a time and billing
appliance module 30c that includes a time and billing control unit
452, a communication circuit 454, a memory (which may be embedded
with the control unit) 458, a display driver 460, a display 462,
and a plurality of subscriber activated buttons 464-474. The
communication circuit 454, operating under control of the time and
billing control unit 452, utilizes communication protocols that are
compatible with the communication controller 122 (FIG. 4) such that
the communication circuit may provide indications of subscriber
activation of buttons 464-474 to the communication space station 24
and receive data for display on the display screen 462 from the
communication space station 24 while secured to the docking bay 62b
(FIG. 4). The display driver 460, operating under control of the
time and billing control unit 452, reads a virtual representation
of the display in the memory 458 and provides row and column
signals for driving the display 462 to show a graphic display of
information to the subscriber in accordance with the virtual
representation of display content in the memory 458. The control
unit 452 includes a key switch control circuit 456 coupled to each
of the buttons 464-474 for detecting subscriber activation of a
button 464-474, circuits for operating the communication circuit
454, and circuits for operating the display driver 460.
[0102] In operation, the time and billing control unit 452
initiates communication with the communication space station 24 at
start up and may identify either a local content application or a
remote content application coupled to the service provider network
18 that provides time and billing services. Thereafter, the time
and billing control unit 452 coordinates the receipt of time and
billing data and the sending of indications of subscriber
activation of the buttons from and to the communication space
station 24 utilizing the communication circuit 454 and the display
of the billing data utilizing the display driver circuit 462. The
buttons 464-474 are each labels with the function that, when
activated, be performed by the time and billing control unit 452 or
the local or remote content application. For example, activation of
the scroll up button 472 or scroll down button 474 initiates the
time and billing control unit 452 to scroll (up or down
respectively) a highlight bar 476 on a list of projects on the
display 462. If the time and billing control unit 452 stores an
entire list of projects locally, the scrolling may be performed by
the control unit 452. Alternatively, if the display 462 only
displays an image provided by the content application, the
scrolling would be performed by the content application and a new
display image would be provided to the control unit for display.
Activation of the start time button 464 initiates the time and
billing control unit 452 sending an indication of such activation
to the content application so that the content application can
begin accruing time to the project that was highlighted on the
display 462 at the time of button 464 activation. Activation of the
end time button 466 initiates the time and billing control unit 452
sending an indication of such activation to the content application
so that the content application stops accruing time to a project.
Activation of the record button 468 initiates the time and billing
control unit 452 sending an indication of such activation to the
local content application so that the local content application can
activate the recording module 39 in the packet gateway 232 to begin
recording a voice (or audio/video) session. Activation of the stop
record button initiates the time and billing control unit 452
sending an indication of such activation to the local content
application to deactivate the recording module 39 and stop
recording a voice or audio/video session.
[0103] Selectable Media Channel Appliance Module
[0104] FIG. 11 illustrates in block diagram form a selectable media
channel appliance module 30a is shown. The appliance module
includes a selectable media channel control unit 480, a
communication circuit 482, a memory (which may be embedded with the
control unit) 492, a display driver 484, a display 488, an audio
driver 486, a speaker 490, a plurality of subscriber activated
buttons 496 499, and a subscriber activated volume control 500.
[0105] The communication circuit 482, operating under control of
the selectable media channel control unit 480, utilizes
communication protocols that are compatible with the communication
circuit 122 (FIG. 4) such that the communication circuit may
provide indications of subscriber activation of buttons 496-499 and
activation of volume control 500 to the communication space station
24 and receive streaming audio/video programming for display on the
display screen 488 and for output by the speaker 490 from the
communication space station 24 while secured to the docking bay 62b
(FIG. 4).
[0106] The display driver 484 obtains a digital video signal from a
real time media decompression circuit 494 and provides row and
column signals for driving the display 488 to show a full motion
video of the programming. The audio driver 486 obtains digital
audio data from the real time media decompression circuit 494 and
provides an analog signal for driving the speaker 490 to provide
audio coinciding with the video programming. The selectable media
channel control unit 480 includes a circuit for operating the
communication circuit 454, a circuit for operating the display
driver 460, and a key switch control circuit 495 coupled to each of
the buttons 496-499 and to the volume control 500 for detecting
subscriber activation of such buttons and volume control.
[0107] In operation, the selectable media channel control unit 480
initiates communication with the communication space station 24 at
start up and may identify either a local content application or a
remote content application coupled to the service provider network
18 that provides audio/video programming such as news, weather, or
other information programs. Thereafter, the selectable media
channel control unit 480 coordinates the receipt of real time
streaming audio/video programming and the sending of indications of
subscriber activation of the buttons 496-499 and the volume control
500 from and to the communication space station 24 utilizing the
communication circuit 482 and coordinates the display of and the
audio output of the real time streaming media audio/video
programming utilizing the display driver circuit 484 and the audio
driver circuit 486.
[0108] The buttons 496-499 are each labeled with program content
that, when activated by the subscriber, initiate the selectable
media channel control unit 480 sending an indication of such button
activation to the content application to initiate the feed of real
time audio/video data that corresponds with the selected program
content. For example, activation of the weather button 496 initiate
the selectable media channel control unit 480 sending an indication
of such button activation to the content application and the
content application begin sending streaming audio/video data that
provides weather information to the subscriber. Similarly, button
497 provides news information to the subscriber.
[0109] Communication Space Station Management Application
[0110] The flowcharts of FIGS. 12a through 12j represent exemplary
processing steps performed by the communication space station
management application 32 to provide control of communication
services to a communication space station 24.
[0111] FIG. 12a in conjunction with FIG. 2 illustrates the
operation of the communication space station management application
32 upon receiving an open session request on a predetermined port
from a communication space station 24 that has just been
operatively coupled to the Local Area Network 22, obtained a
network address from the network address server 220, and is ready
to operate as a client to the communication space station
management application 32. At step 300 communication space station
management application 32 receives the open session request and
establishes a TCP/IP session with the communication space station
24 at step 302. The communication space station management
application 32 sends a start up script to the communication space
station 24 at step 304, which start up script includes instructions
that, when executed by the client application 115, provide for the
communication space station 24 to detect its subscriber interface
configuration (e.g. whether the communication space station 24
includes a display screen and what capabilities such as video
capabilities and graphic resolution capabilities the display screen
may have) and to report its subscriber interface configuration back
to the communication space station management application 32.
[0112] The communication space station management application 32 at
step 306 receives the subscriber interface configuration of the
communication space station 24 from the communication space station
24 and writes at step 308 an indication of the subscriber interface
configuration of the communication space station 24 to a subscriber
interface table 239 in the memory 235. The communication space
station management application 32 retrieves a main menu display
style sheet from a selection of style sheets 241 stored in the
memory 235 at step 310, which main menu display style sheet can be
a style sheet that corresponds to the subscriber interface
configuration of the communication space station 24. The
communication space station management application 32 provides main
menu display content and the style sheet to the communication space
station 24 at step 312 and updates at step 314 a communication
space station state table 243 in the memory 235 to indicate that
the communication space station 24 is in a main menu state. It
should be appreciated that the main menu content provided to the
communication space station 24 is independent of the subscriber
interface, however, the style sheet provided to the communication
space station 24 is dependent on the subscriber interface. For
example, turning to FIG. 16a which represents display of a main
menu on a subscriber device 50 in the modular docking interface 58
the content of the main menu display includes a title of main menu
and choices of view e-mail, voice mail, and multi cast paging. The
style sheet corresponding to a subscriber interface that includes a
subscriber device 50 provides for the content to be graphically
displayed with the title at the top and each menu choice to be
displayed adjacent a button 92 on the modular docking interface 58.
Alternatively, turning to FIG. 16b which represents display of a
main menu on a display 72 that is coupled to a communication space
station interface 64 (FIG. 3), the content of the main menu display
again includes a title of main menu and the choices of view e-mail,
voice mail, and multi cast paging. However, the style sheet that
corresponds to a subscriber interface that includes a display 72
that is coupled to a communication space station interface 64
provides for the content to be graphically displayed with the title
at the top and each choice to be displayed in a vertical list with
an adjacent numeral for selection using the keypad 68 (FIG. 3). The
examples shown in FIGS. 16a and 16b are for illustrative purposes
only. Other subscriber interface configurations that include
non-graphic displays, bit mapped multi line text displays, or 7
element single or multi-line text displays may utilize different
style sheets for displaying all or a portion of the main menu
content.
[0113] FIG. 12b illustrates in flow diagram form the steps
performed by the communication space station management application
32 upon receiving an indication at step 316 that a subscriber
device 50 has been coupled to a communication space station 24. The
communication space station management application 32 at step 318
sends a device ID extraction script to the communication space
station 24, which includes instructions that, when executed by the
client application 115, provide for the communication space station
24 to interrogate the subscriber device 50 to determine its device
identification (e.g. an identification of which subscriber to which
the device has been assigned) and to report the device
identification back to the communication space station management
application 230. The communication space station management
application 32 at step 320 receives the device identification back
from the communication space station 24 and associates at step 322
the device ID with the communication space station 24 in the
network location table 245 in the memory 235. As discussed
previously, the packet gateway 232 utilizes the network location
table 245 for routing incoming telephone calls to the particular
communication space station 24 at which a subscriber's subscriber
device 50 is then currently coupled. It should be appreciated that
this step 322 provides for the network location table 245 to
properly indicate association between a communication space station
24 and the subscriber device 50 that is served thereby.
[0114] Because the style sheet selected for display of content on
the communication space station 24 is dependent on the subscriber
interface configuration of the communication space station 24 as
determined by the subscriber interface table 239, the table should
be updated when the subscriber interface configuration changes.
Coupling a subscriber device 50 to a communication space station 24
changes the subscriber interface because the display of the
subscriber device 50 becomes a display for the communication space
station 24. As such, step 324 represents updating the subscriber
interface configuration of the communication space station 24 in
the subscriber interface table 239.
[0115] The communication space station management application 32 at
step 326 retrieves a main menu display style sheet that is
applicable to the new subscriber interface configuration from the
selection of style sheets 241 in the memory 235 and provides at
step 238 the main menu display contend and the style sheet to the
communication space station 24. The communication space station
management application 32 at step 330 updates the communication
space station state table 243 to assure that it represents that the
communication space station 24 is in the main menu state. The flow
chart of FIG. 12c represents steps performed by the communication
space station management application 32 upon receiving an
indication at step 322 that a subscriber device 50 has been removed
from a communication space station 24. The network location table
is updated upon removal of a subscriber device form a communication
space station 24 because the packet gateway 232 utilizes the
network location table 245 for routing incoming telephone calls to
the particular communication space station 24 at which a
subscriber's subscriber device 50 is then currently coupled. The
communication space station management application 32 at step 334
disassociates the subscriber device 50 from the communication space
station 24 in the network location table 245. The communication
space station management application 32 at step 336 updates the
subscriber interface configuration table 239 because the display on
the subscriber device 50 is no longer part of the subscriber
interface of the communication space station 24 after the
subscriber device 50 is removed.
[0116] The communication space station management application 32 at
step 338 retrieves a main menu display style sheet that is
applicable to the subscriber interface configuration without the
subscriber device 50 from the selection of style sheets 241 in the
memory 235 and provides at step 340 the main menu display content
and the style sheet to the communication space station 24. The
communication space station management application 32 at step 342
updates the communication space station state table 243 to assure
that it represents that the communication space station 24 is in
the main menu state.
[0117] The flowchart of FIG. 12d represents steps performed by the
communication space station management application 32 upon
receiving a subscriber indication of a command to view subscriber
e-mail messages. The means by which the communication space station
24 may detect such a subscriber indication is dependent on the
subscriber interface configuration of the communication space
station 24. For example, if the subscriber interface includes the
e-mail button 78 (FIG. 3), detection of button 78 activation would
be a subscriber indication of a command to view subscriber e-mail
messages. Similarly, subscriber activation of the e-mail menu
choice on the main menu either by touch panel activation or by
activation of a button associated with the menu choice (either or
both of which may be applicable dependent on the subscriber
interface configuration) would be a subscriber indication of a
command to view subscriber e-mail messages. The communication space
station management application 32 receives the subscriber
indication of a command view subscriber e-mail messages at step
344.
[0118] The communication space station management application 32 at
step 346 instructs the e-mail module 228 to logon onto an e-mail
server (which may be a remote e-mail server coupled to the
multi-media Service Provider network 18) and to receive new e-mail
messages associated with the subscriber's account. The
communication space station management application 32 at step 348
writes the new e-mail messages to the subscriber inbox in the
e-mail files 247 in the memory 235. In an embodiment wherein the
remote e-mail server maintains subscriber inbox information, steps
346 and 348 may be viewed as synchronizing the e-mail messages
between the remote server and the e-mail files 247. It should also
be appreciated that the e-mail module 228 may periodically retrieve
new e-mail messages and write to the subscriber inbox independently
of whether the subscriber has activated an e-mail control. As such,
the inbox already include new messages and steps 348 and 348 may
not need to be performed in response to event 344.
[0119] The communication space station management application 32 at
step 350 retrieves inbox content from the e-mail files 247 and
retrieves at step 352 an inbox style sheet that is applicable to
the subscriber interface from the style sheets 241 in the memory
235. Because the subscriber's voice mails be sent to the
subscriber's e-mail account as audio files, it is possible that he
e-mail messages retrieved at step 346 include both text-based
e-mails and e-mails from the voice mail server 226. The inbox style
sheet provides for the display of the e-mail messages received from
senders other than the voice mail server 226 to be displayed first
(or on the top of the display) because the subscriber activated a
command to view email messages. The communication space station
management application 32 at step 354 provides the inbox content
and style sheet to the communication space station 24 and updates
at step 356 the communication space station state table 243 to
indicate that the communication space station 24 is in an e-mail
state.
[0120] The flowchart of FIG. 12e represents steps performed by the
communication space station management application 32 receiving a
subscriber indication of a command to obtain voice mail messages.
Again, the means by which the communication space station 24 may
detect such a subscriber indication is dependent on the subscriber
interface configuration of the communication space station 24. For
example, if the subscriber interface includes the voice mail button
76 (FIG. 3), detection of button 76 activation would be a
subscriber indication of a command to obtain voice mail messages.
Similarly, subscriber activation of the voice mail menu choice
either by touch panel activation or by activation of a button
associated with the menu choice would be a subscriber indication of
a command to obtain voice mail messages. The communication space
station management application 230 at step 258 receives the
subscriber indication of a command obtain voice mail messages.
[0121] The communication space station management application 32 at
step 360 instructs the e-mail module 228 to logon onto the e-mail
server and to receive new e-mail messages associated with the
subscribers account because voice mail messages be sent as audio
files form the voice mail server 226 to the subscriber's e-mail
account. The communication space station management application 32
at step 362 writes the new e-mail messages to the subscriber inbox
in the e-mail files 247 in the memory 235. The communication space
station management application 32 at step 364 retrieves inbox
content from the e-mail files 247 and represents retrieves an voice
mail style sheet that is applicable to the subscriber interface
from the style sheets 241 in the memory 235 at step 366. Because
the email messages that include voice mail audio files from the
voice mail server 226 may be intermixed with e-mail messages from
other senders, the voice mail style sheet provides for only the
display of the voice mail messages received from the voice mail
server 226. The communication space station management application
32 at step 368 provides the inbox content and the voice mail style
sheet to the communication space station 24 and updates at step 370
the communication space station state table 243 to indicate that
the communication space station 24 is in a voice mail state.
[0122] The flowchart of FIG. 12f represents steps performed by the
communication space station management application 32 upon
receiving a subscriber indication of a command to initiate a
multicast paging message. The communication space station 24 may
detect such a subscriber indication by various means, such as touch
panel activation of button activation of a menu selection on the
main menu, dependent on the subscriber interface configuration of
the communication space station 24. At step 372, the communication
space station management application 230 receives the subscriber
indication of a command to initiate a multicast paging message and
at step 374 retrieves the subscriber's address book content 249
from the e-mail files 247. As shown in FIG. 8b, the address book
content 249 may comprise a plurality of records with each record
including a group identification name and identification of each
subscriber in such group, and, if the group identifies a single
person, contact information for the person. The communication space
station management application 32 at step 376 retrieves a select
paging group style sheet that corresponds to the subscriber
interface of the communication space station 24 and at step 378
provides both the address book content and the select paging group
style sheet to the communication space station 24. The
communication space station management application 32 at step 380
updates the communication space station state table 243 to
indicated that the communication space station 24 is in the select
paging group state.
[0123] FIG. 16c represents an exemplary display of the select
paging group content utilizing a style sheet that may be applicable
for use on a display 72 wherein the subscriber may use buttons or
touch panel activation may be utilized to select one or more paging
groups to include in the multicast page. It should be appreciated
that some paging groups may include only a single name such that
individuals may be selected to include in the multicast page.
Because the list of groups included in the paging group content may
be larger than can be displayed on the display 72, the style sheet
may provide for only a portion of the content to be displayed along
with touch activated scroll controls for display of the remainder
of the content. The style sheet may further include touch activated
controls to return to the main menu and to start the multicast
message.
[0124] FIG. 16d represents an exemplary display of the select
paging group content utilizing a style sheet that may be applicable
for display of the content on a display of a subscriber device 50
coupled in the modular docking interface 58. Because subscriber
selection is to be by activation of buttons 92, the style sheet
provides for the content to be displayed with the groups on the
left side for selection by buttons 92 on the left side of the
modular docking interface 58 and for indicators to label the
function of the buttons 92 on the right side of the modular docking
interface 58 such as scroll up, scroll down, start message, and
return to main menu.
[0125] The flowchart of FIG. 12g represents steps performed by the
communication space station management application 32 upon
receiving a subscriber indication of a command to start the
multicast paging message. The communication space station
management application 32 at step 384 receives such a subscriber
indication along with identification of the subscriber selected
multicast groups to include in a multicast recipient list. Steps
388 through 394 represents steps that are performed by the
communication space station management application 32 for each
recipient. Such steps may be performed in sequence or in parallel.
For purposes of illustration, the steps are shown performed in
sequence. The communication space station management application 32
at step 388 identifies the subscriber device 50 that is associated
with the recipient and determines if the subscriber device is then
currently coupled to a communication space station 24. If yes, at
step 390 The communication space station management application 32
invites such communication space station 24 to the multicast
session group. However, if the subscriber device 50 associated with
the recipient is not coupled to a communication space station 24
where the subscriber may receive the multicast, then at step 404
the recipient is added to an e-mail list.
[0126] Following step 390, The communication space station
management application 32 at step 392 determines whether the
communication space station 24 joined the multicast session group.
If the communication space station 24 is operating a voice session,
it would be inappropriate to interrupt the voice session with a
multicast page for the subscriber. As such, it is envisioned that
the communication space station 24 may, when in certain operational
states, not join the multicast session group. In which case, the
recipient is added to the e-mail list at step 406. After the
recipient is either added to the e-mail list at step 405 or the
communication space station 24 joined the multicast session group
at step 392, the communication space station management application
32 at step 394 determines if steps 388 though 392 must be performed
for additional recipients. If not, at step 396 The communication
space station management application 32 establishes a RTP channel
with the communication space station 24 that initiated the
multicast paging message and at step 398 instructs the
communication space station management to prompt the subscriber to
begin the multicast paging message. The communication space station
management application 32 at step 400 multicasts the message to the
session group utilizing the multicast module 231 and at step 402
formats the multicast message into an audio file and sending the
audio file by e-mail to each recipient that was added to the e-mail
list at either step 404 or 406.
[0127] The flowchart of FIG. 12h represents steps performed by the
communication space station management 32 upon receiving a
subscriber indication of a command to initiate an audio or an
audio/video conference call from a communication space station 24.
The communication space station may detect such a subscriber
indication by various means, such as by subscriber activation of
the conference call control 502 on the touch panel 72 of FIG. 16b
or by activation of a button 92 corresponding to the conference
call menu selection on the display screen 50 of FIG. 16a. The
communication space station management application 32 at step 404
receives such an indication from a communication space station 24,
at step 406 retrieves the subscriber's address book content 249
from the e-mail files 247 and at step 408 retrieves a "select
conference session participants" that corresponds to the subscriber
interface of the communication space station 24 from the style
sheets 241 in the memory 235. The communication space station
management application 32 at step 410 provides both the address
book content and the style sheet to the communication space station
24 for display. The communication space station management
application 32 at step 412 receives subscriber selection of
participants for the conference call. FIG. 16e represents an
exemplary display of the address book for selection of conference
call participants on the touch panel 72. The communication space
station 24 may detect subscriber activation of the touch panel 72
to "highlight" conference call participants and indicate that
selection is complete by activating a finished control 512. Upon
activation of the finish control, the communication space station
24 provides the subscriber selection of participants to the
communication space station management 32. The communication space
station management application 32 at step 414 provides the
conference session participant list to the packet audio/video
gateway 232 and at step 416 updates the state of the communication
space station 24 to a conference call state. After receiving the
session participant list from the communication space station
management 230, the packet gateway 232, or more specifically the
call signaling module 227 (FIG. 2) establishes applicable audio and
video communication channels with those communication space
stations 24 that are serving subscriber devices associated with the
participants in accordance with the steps discussed above. With the
communication channels open, the packet gateway 232 activates the
conference mix module 237 to begin mixing the voice streams from
each communication space station 24 participating in the call. The
packet gateway 232 also reports the status of each participant to
the communication space station management 32. More specifically,
the status includes an indication of whether each session
participant is connected to the conference or is inactive (not
connected to the conference). The status may also indicate whether
the participant has stopped providing an active audio stream (e.g.
put their phone on mute) and may indicate whether the conference
mixing module has suspended sending a conference mix to the
participant (e.g. the packet gateway 232 has placed a particular
participant on hold for a time period to so that others can
converse without such participant hearing the conversation).
[0128] The flowchart of FIG. 12i represents steps performed by the
communication space station management application 32 upon
receiving conference status content at step 418 from the packet
gateway 232. The communication space station management application
32 at step 419 retrieves a "status" style sheet from the style
sheets 241 stored in the memory 235 and at step 410 provides the
status content and the style sheet to at least the initiating
communication space station 24 and optionally, to other
communication space stations 24 participating in the conference
call. It should be appreciated that the steps for the flowchart of
FIG. 12i may be repeated several times during the duration of a
conference call as the status of each participant changes.
[0129] FIG. 16f represents an exemplary display of the status of
each participant on the touch panel 72. The display includes a
vertical listing of each participant and an indication of the
participant's status in a column 514. An "A" indicates that the
participant is active (e.g. sending a non-mute audio stream and
receiving a conference mix audio stream). An "I" indicates that the
participant is not on the conference call. A "M" indicates that the
participant has muted their telephone and is not sending an audio
stream. An "H" indicates that the participant has been placed on
hold by the initiating communication space station and is not
receiving a conference mix.
[0130] The display also includes a video indication column 516.
This column indicates which participants are not sending a video
image signal to the packet voice/video gateway 232 (e.g. the
".phi." symbol). Because the subscriber may select which of the
participants to view during a video conference, the video column
516 also indicate the subscribers selection of the video image to
view if the subscriber activates the video control 520. In the
exemplary display, the "*" symbol associated with Dave indicates
that the subscriber would view the video image provided by Dave's
communication space station 24 upon activating the video control
520. The subscriber may change such selection by utilizing the
controls of the touch panel 72. Upon detecting activation of the
video control, the communicating space station report the
indication to the communication space station management
application 230.
[0131] The display also includes a hold control 522. The initiating
subscriber may indicate his or her desire to place a participant(s)
on hold status by highlighting the participant(s) and activating
the hold control 522. Upon detecting activation of the hold control
522, the communication space station reports the indication to the
communication space station management application 230. Upon
receiving the indication, the communication space station
management application 230 provide the indication to the packet
voice/video gateway 232 which place the selected participant(s) on
hold status and return updated status content to the communication
space station management application 230.
[0132] The flow chart of FIG. 12j represents steps performed by the
communication space station management 32 upon receiving a
subscriber indication of a video image selection from a
communication space station 24. Step 426 represents such receipt by
the communication space station management 32. Step 428 represents
providing the video image selection to the packet gateway 232. The
packet gateway 232 then begins relaying the selected video image to
the subscriber station. At step 430 the communication space station
management application 32 retrieves a style sheet for the display
of the video image and at step 432 provides the style sheet to the
communication space station 24. The communication space station
management application 32 at step 434 provides instructions to
display the video image received from the packet gateway 232 in
conjunction with the style sheet.
[0133] FIG. 16g represents an exemplary display of a single video
image on the touch panel 72. The display include a control to
return to the status page which, when activated, cause the
communication space station 24 to return to the display of FIG.
16f. The display also include a scroll video control 530 which,
when activated cause the communication space station 24 to report
such activation to the communication space station management 230.
The communication space station management 32 perform the steps
discussed with respect to FIG. 12 with the selected image scrolled
by one video image. The display also include a 1/4 video control
528 which, when activated cause the communication space station 24
to report such activation o the communication space station
management application 32. The communication space station
management application perform the steps discussed with respect to
FIGS. 12 but the packet gateway 232 provide a mixed video image
comprising each of four video images arranged in the four corners
of the display as represented by FIG. 16h. From any of the displays
associated with the conference call (e.g. FIG. 16e, FIG. 16f, FIG.
16g, and FIG. 16h, termination of the call cause the communication
space station 24 to return to the main menu as represented by FIG.
16a or 16b.
[0134] Content Application
[0135] The flowchart of FIG. 13 represents and exemplary content
application that supports the time and billing appliance module
30c. At step 700 a session is established with the appliance module
support application 117 of a communication space station 24 that
serves a time and billing appliance module 30c in it docking
station 62b. A start up display content is selected at step 702 to
provide to the communication space station 24 with a display on the
appliance module display. The start up display content may include
a list of projects associated with the subscriber as shown in the
display 476 of FIG. 10. Step 704 represents providing the display
content to the appliance module support appliance module support
application 117. Thereafter, the content application waits for an
indication of subscriber input that may include an indication of
subscriber activation of the record button 468; the stop record
button 470; the start time button 464; the end time button 466, or
one of the scroll buttons 472-474 (all of FIG. 10).
[0136] If the subscriber input is activation of the record button
at step 706, the content application signals the record module 39
at step 708 to initiate recording of the audio or audio/video
session in which the communication space station 24 is
participating. If the subscriber input is activation of the step
record button at step 710, the content application signals the
record module 39 at step 712 to terminate recording of the audio or
audio/video session in which the communication space station 24 is
participating. If the subscriber input is activation of the start
time button at step 714, the content application updates a time log
to reflect a start time associated with the project highlighted by
the subscriber at the time of button activation at step 716. If the
subscriber input is activation of the end time button at step 718,
the content application updates the time log to reflect an end time
associated with the project highlighted by the subscriber at the
time of button activation at step 720. If the subscriber input is
activation of a scroll button at step 722, the content application
updates the display content to reflect the scroll at step 724 and
sends new display content at step 704.
[0137] It should be appreciated that the systems and methods of the
present invention provides for a modular and configurable
communication space station that supports a subscribers multimedia
communication needs. Although the invention has been shown and
described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is
obvious that equivalents and modifications occur to others skilled
in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification.
It is envisioned that after reading and understanding the present
invention those skilled in the art may envision other processing
states, events, and processing steps to further the objectives of
the modular multi-media communication management system of the
present invention. The present invention includes all such
equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of
the following claims.
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